Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools ABHES

Overview

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is a nationally recognized, private, non-profit accrediting agency in the United States. Established in 1964 as the Accrediting Bureau of Medical Laboratory Schools, it adopted its current name in 1974 to reflect its expanded scope. ABHES specializes in both institutional and programmatic accreditation of postsecondary institutions offering allied health education programs. It is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and is the sole healthcare education accrediting agency with this recognition. ABHES accredits institutions and programs leading to certificates, diplomas and degrees in various allied health disciplines, including medical assisting, medical laboratory technology and surgical technology.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

ABHES was founded in 1964 as the Accrediting Bureau of Medical Laboratory Schools to address the need for quality assurance in medical laboratory education. In 1974, the organization changed its name to the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools to better represent its broader focus on allied health education. The agency is incorporated as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of training offered by the educational institutions and programs it accredits. This recognition allows ABHES-accredited institutions to participate in federal financial aid programs.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

Mission: ABHES serves as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for institutions predominantly providing health education and programmatic accreditation in specific health and/or allied health education disciplines.

Vision: To promote educational excellence in health education by establishing and maintaining high standards for institutions and programs.

Objectives:

• To ensure that accredited institutions and programs meet established standards of quality.
• To promote continuous improvement in health education through regular evaluation and feedback.
• To provide guidance and support to institutions seeking accreditation.
• To foster collaboration with other accrediting agencies and stakeholders in the field of health education.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

ABHES operates as an independent, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for overseeing the agency's activities and ensuring adherence to accreditation standards. The agency's structure includes various departments and committees dedicated to different aspects of the accreditation process, including program evaluation, policy development and stakeholder engagement. ABHES maintains its independence by adhering to established policies and procedures, ensuring that accreditation decisions are made based on objective criteria and without external influence.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ABHES conducts both institutional and programmatic accreditation to ensure the quality of health education programs. The accreditation process involves:

• Reviewing institutional missions and goals to ensure alignment with educational objectives.
• Assessing program curricula to ensure they meet national and international standards.
• Evaluating faculty qualifications and resources to support effective teaching and learning.
• Assessing student outcomes to determine program effectiveness in preparing graduates for professional practice.
• Providing feedback and recommendations for program improvement.

Through this rigorous evaluation, ABHES helps maintain high educational standards and fosters continuous improvement in health education.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ABHES collaborates with international organizations and accrediting bodies to promote global standards in health education. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of best practices, support mutual recognition of accreditation standards and contribute to the development of a globally competent workforce. While specific memberships and partnerships are not detailed in the available sources, ABHES's commitment to international cooperation underscores its role in advancing the profession worldwide.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ABHES's accreditation activities have a significant impact on higher education by:

• Ensuring that institutions and programs provide quality education that meets national and international standards.
• Promoting continuous improvement through regular program evaluations and feedback.
• Enhancing the credibility and recognition of accredited institutions among employers and other stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of a diverse and competent workforce to meet national and global health challenges.

Looking forward, ABHES aims to further enhance its accreditation processes by integrating emerging trends in education, such as competency-based education models, to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the healthcare profession.

7. Summary

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of health education programs in the United States. Through its comprehensive accreditation process, ABHES helps maintain high educational standards, supports continuous improvement and contributes to the development of a competent and diverse workforce. By collaborating with international partners and staying responsive to emerging trends, ABHES continues to advance the quality of health education.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is ABHES?
  ABHES is a nationally recognized, private, non-profit accrediting agency that specializes in the accreditation of health education programs in the United States.
• How does ABHES ensure program quality?
  ABHES ensures program quality through a comprehensive accreditation process that evaluates curricula, faculty qualifications, resources and student outcomes against established standards.
• Is ABHES recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?
  Yes, ABHES is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of training offered by the educational institutions and programs it accredits.
• How can institutions apply for ABHES accreditation?
  Institutions can apply for ABHES accreditation by submitting applications demonstrating compliance with the Accreditation Standards, which include a self-study report and an on-site evaluation by peer reviewers.
• Does ABHES collaborate with international organizations?
  Yes, ABHES collaborates with international organizations and accrediting bodies to promote global standards in health education.

Organization Name

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

Acronym

ABHES

Year of Establishment

1/01/1969

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

179

Address

7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314 North
Falls Church
22043 Virginia United States

Phone

+1 (703) 917 9503

Fax

+1 (703) 917 4109

List of universities offering programs accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES):

1) ACL Medical Training, IN
2) ATA College, OK
3) ATA College, KY
4) ATA College, FL
5) ATA College, OH
6) ATS Institute of Technology, IL
7) Academia Medical Institute, LLC, OH
8) Advance Nursing Training, LLC, LA
9) Agape College of Business and Science, CA
10) Aguilas International Technical Institute, FL
11) Alliance Medical & Health Sciences College, Inc., VA
12) Ambria College of Nursing, IL
13) America School of Nursing and Allied Health, VA
14) American Career College, CA
15) American College of Healthcare and Technology, CA
16) American Harbor College, CA
17) American Institute, CT
18) American Institute, NJ
19) American Institute of Medical Sciences and Education, NJ
20) American Medical Academy, FL
21) American Medical Sciences Center, CA
22) American National University, KY
23) Americare Technical School, IL
24) Angeles College, CA
25) Annenberg School of Nursing, CA
26) Antigua College International, FL
27) Antilles College of Health, PR
28) Arizona College, AZ
29) Arizona College of Nursing, AZ
30) Arizona College of Nursing, NV
31) Arizona College of Nursing, TX
32) Arizona College of Nursing, FL
33) Arizona College of Nursing, UT
34) Arizona College of Nursing, CA
35) Arizona College of Nursing, MI
36) Arizona College of Nursing, VA
37) Arizona College of Nursing, CO
38) Arizona College of Nursing, HI
39) Arizona College of Nursing, OH
40) Arizona Heart Foundation School of Cardiac & Vascular Ultrasound, AZ
41) Ascension St. Vincent College of Health Professions, IN
42) Austin Medical Assistant Training, NY
43) Azure College, FL
44) Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR
45) Baptist Health System School of Health Professions, TX
46) Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas School of Radiologic Technology, TX
47) Beckfield College, KY
48) Bell Tech Career Institute, Inc., TX
49) Bolivar Technical College, MO
50) Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, VA
51) Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging, VA
52) Braxton College, FL
53) Brookline College, AZ
54) Brookline College, NM
55) Bryan University, MO
56) CAAN Academy of Nursing, IL
57) CBD College, CA
58) California Career College, CA
59) Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, FL
60) Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, GA
61) Camsen Career Institute, FL
62) Cardiac & Vascular Institute of Ultrasound, AL
63) Career Development Institute, Inc., CA
64) Career Networks Institute DBA CNI College, CA
65) Caris College, IN
66) Casa Loma College, CA
67) Center for Allied Health Education, NY
68) Center for Ultrasound Research & Education, Corporation (CURE), NY
69) Centra College, VA
70) Central School of Practical Nursing, OH
71) Chancellor Institute, FL
72) Charter College, AK
73) Charter College, WA
74) Charter College, CA
75) Chattahoochee Valley Community College, AL
76) City College, FL
77) College of Emergency Services, OR
78) College of Health Careers, AZ
79) College of Massage Therapy, ID
80) Community Care College, OK
81) Contra Costa Medical Career College, CA
82) Dewey University, PR
83) ECPI University, the School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute, VA
84) ECPI University, the School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute, NC
85) ECPI University, the School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute, SC
86) Eagle Gate College, UT
87) Eagle Gate College, ID
88) East Ohio College, OH
89) East-West Healing Arts Institute, WI
90) East-West Healing Arts Institute Milwaukee, WI
91) Emergency Education Institute, LLC, FL
92) Erwin Technical College, FL
93) Estelle Medical Academy, IL
94) European Massage Therapy School, NV
95) Felbry College School of Nursing, OH
96) Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing & Health Sciences, NY
97) First Response Training Group, LLC., FL
98) Florida Institute of Ultrasound, FL
99) Fortis College, MD
100) Fortis College, AL
101) Fortis College, LA
102) Fortis College, VA
103) Fortis College, OH
104) Fortis College, GA
105) Fortis College, SC
106) Fortis College, IN
107) Fortis Institute, NJ
108) Fortis Institute, FL
109) Fortis Institute, TN
110) Fortis Institute, AL
111) Fortis Institute, MD
112) Fox College, IL
113) Galaxy Medical College, CA
114) Glendale Career College, CA
115) Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, CA
116) Hawaii Pacific Health-Straub Clinic & Hospital, HI
117) Healing Hands School of Holistic Health, CA
118) Healing Mountain Massage School, UT
119) Healthcare Career Center, CA
120) Herzing University, LA
121) Holistic Massage Training Institute, MD
122) Homestead Schools, Inc, CA
123) Homestead Schools, Inc., CA
124) Hondros College of Nursing, OH
125) Hondros College of Nursing, IN
126) Hondros College of Nursing, MI
127) Houston International College Cardiotech Ultrasound School, TX
128) Institute of Health Sciences, MD
129) Institute of Medical Ultrasound, GA

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Wikipedia Article

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools's Wikipedia article

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